Game Notes: UVA Basketball Faces Villanova in Baltimore on Friday

UVA Cavaliers (9-3) vs. Villanova Wildcats (8-4)

Friday, December 23, 2022 | 6:30 PM ET | ESPN2

Baltimore, MD | Chesapeake Energy Arena

The Virginia Cavaliers will face the Villanova Wildcats in Baltimore on Friday, December 23, 2022. The game will be played at Chesapeake Energy Arena and will tip off at 6:30 PM ET. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

Virginia is 9-3 this season, with wins over Houston, Illinois, and Michigan. The Cavaliers are led by Kihei Clark, who is averaging 12.3 points and 5.8 assists per game. Jayden Gardner is also averaging in double figures, with 11.8 points per game.

Villanova is 8-4 this season, with wins over Michigan, UCLA, and Ohio State. The Wildcats are led by Caleb Daniels, who is averaging 17.3 points per game. Brandon Slater is also averaging in double figures, with 13.0 points per game.

The game is expected to be a close one. Virginia is a slight favorite, but Villanova has a lot of talent and experience. The game will be a good test for both teams.

Keys to the Game

• Virginia's defense: The Cavaliers have one of the best defenses in the country. They allow just 58.3 points per game, which is second in the ACC. Virginia will need to play tough defense against Villanova's talented offense.
• Villanova's offense: The Wildcats have a lot of offensive firepower. They are led by Caleb Daniels, who is one of the best shooters in the country. Villanova will need to make shots in order to beat Virginia.
• Rebounding: Rebounding will be important in this game. Both teams have good size and athleticism. The team that can control the boards will have a big advantage.

Prediction

This is a tough game to predict. Virginia is a slight favorite, but Villanova has a lot of talent and experience. I think the game will be close, but I give Virginia a slight edge.

Virginia 72, Villanova 68